Hi
First time ive used the forum.
I have a vw beetle fuel tank modified (cut and welded) so the bonnet on my sidewinder fits properly. Does anyone know if IVE test will allow this? tank wont fit otherwise.
DJ

Hello , welcome, what do the regs say on petrol tanks, wouldn't it have been easier to read them and find out before you modified what you have installed?? Or am I being thick.

Yep. I should read the IVA rules, and I will. Started this project 2010 when things were a bit more relaxed, and the I became ill. I've just taken the cover off today to start again. I thought Id get some friendly advice that's all!:(

Greetings Rawhide and welcome 

I think that the test is more concerned with the construction, mounting and location of the fuel tank, rather than the shape and alterations but I'm sure those that actually read the instructions will be along with some accurate info soon.

Glad you uncovered your project and are having a go again, keep going with the questions you'll soon get the hang of us on here 

Cheers Hunter

Thanks Hunter. Yes I'm sure I'll get it sorted along with other things that's changed in the last 7 years.

DJ

If it under a fixed bonnet they cannot see the top is modified but as long as the job is fit for purpose it is only like having a custom tank built.

Yes you can modify the shaping of the tank. Had to do this to allow the tank to fit under the bonnet of my Manx.  Also the tank must have a threaded stud attached as the tank must be earthed. It must have a stub pipe and breather hose. The hose must be secured and not left hanging loose. Also the tank must have a drain with a tap fitted that is accessible from the side to allow draining. This will be checked upon inspection. The tank must be presented with the tank full so that the accuracy of the fuel gauge can be checked. Also the fuel filler cap, if separate from the filler neck, must be linked to the filler neck with a metal link so that the cap maintains earth etc.
Take a look at the photo`s in my members build. These show the modified tank, top and bottom, and the attachments and the fuel filler neck\cap I chose that has the cap as an integral part of the filler so does not need wire link.  Regards Paul

Hi Rawhide.......Welcome, ask away, usually this place is good for friendly advice! 

Welcome Rawhide.

The more questions the merrier - no matter how obscure or potentially obvious.

Also posting images of what you have or are faced with tends to get even more responses.

Thanks a lot for the information. Really helpful. I'll post some pictures where I am at the moment this weekend.
I bought the tank about seven years ago, and the whole lump bit at the front had been cut, flattened,  welded up, and sealed with POR liquid. (must be good stuff as it had sealed the vent pipe so I had to improvise)
I have already fitted a 12v automatic fuel tap that opens when ignition is switched on, and shuts off when power is switched off.
There are no drain outlet, so I guess I will need to sort one out somehow.
The filler neck is separate from the tank. This is connected with a rubber filler pipe, with a steel pipe that has a vent pipe in the middle. small vent pipe has been fed into the front safely. I have another 25mm ish pipe from the tank into the filler neck to prevent blow-back when filling up. My filler cap is plastic screw on so I guess I wont need an earth wire attached, but I'll earth the neck just to be sure.

Interested in these vent pipes - mine doesn't have one! Seems to work though.

I'll upload a picture at the weekend Zip Buggy

I'll upload a picture at the weekend Zip Buggy

Thank you. Curious as to what the effect on my buggy would be without one.

Thank you. Curious as to what the effect on my buggy would be without one.

Zip... Vent pipe often called breather pipe is simply there to allow the pressure in the tank to be the same as that of the outside air.

In 47 years of driving, with 13 of those doing 50, 000 miles a year, I have only ever seen one occasion where the breather became an issue.

This was in an 80`s Vauxhall belonging to my then boss.    Travelling down the M62 he pulled in to fill up with petrol. He was surprised that although the gauge indicated zero he could only get a couple of gallons in and the pump shut off as though the tank was full.

We had a look underneath and lo & behold the tank had sucked itself in-over.

As this was a leased car it was taken to the nearest Vauxhall place who went on to diagnose a blocked breather pipe allowing the pump to create a vacuum in the tank which sucked the tank in.

The chance of this happening to you is slim I would think.

I had an imploded tank on an Avenger once. I've never run a breather on a buggy though, just a small hole in the filler cap. I doubt IVA would like that though.